An appeals court has lifted a block on Trump administration executive orders that seek to end government support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. A three-judge panel ruled that the lower court's injunction was too extensive while acknowledging potential First Amendment implications. The orders, originally implemented by Trump, aim to terminate equity-related federal grants and require federal contractors to avoid promoting DEI. Critics argue these actions represent an unconstitutional overreach, while the Department of Justice defends them as aligning federal spending with presidential priorities. The case now continues through the courts.
"My vote should not be understood as agreement with the orders' attack on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion," Judge Pamela Harris wrote.
The Justice Department has argued that the president was targeting only DEI programs that violate federal civil rights laws.
The decision from a three-judge panel allows the orders to be enforced as a lawsuit challenging them plays out.
Abelson had found the orders likely violated free-speech rights and are unconstitutionally vague since they don't have a specific definition of DEI.
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